Eudora
"Welcome." Dean Charles says from behind his desk as soon as Professor Solace leads our disheveled group into his office. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions." He looks us over taking in our soaking wet and dirty clothes. He turns to Professor Solace. "Genevieve would you mind?" He says while waving his hand in our direction.
Professor Solace lifts her cane and waves it in the air in a circular chaotic motion, almost taking me out if I hadn't ducked out of the way in time. Instantly our clothing started steaming, I panicked for a second before I realized that it didn't feel hot. After a few moments our clothes are completely dry, albeit still very dirty.
"Thank you." Dean Charles nods at Professor Solace in appreciation and then focuses on our group again. "Please take a seat." We all shuffle to sit in one of the array of chairs he has in front of his desk. "I've suspected for a while now that Madison has been working with the Emperor and I have been having her followed. When you disappeared I had my suspicions the Emperor was trying to prevent you from coming into your full power, so color me surprised when he showed up here to do exactly the opposite. Would you tell me what happened tonight in the Moon Goddess' oasis?"
I look around at my potential mates wearily, worried about how much information we should tell the Dean. Everyone looks just as hesitant as me.
Dean Charles looks around at our reluctant faces and sighs. "Fine, i'll start. When I was a student at this school, I stumbled upon a hidden passageway that led under the school. There are many hidden passageways throughout this whole building, but this one was particularly old and forgotten. Within that passageway, I discovered a translation of the prophecy, although at the time I did not know what it was. As soon as I found my way back into the main building, I notified my Dean who allowed me to travel with him to the Ruling Pack to meet with the Emperor. When I told the Emperor what I had uncovered, he didn't seem surprised or excited. He threatened me and told me if I repeated the prophecy to anyone he would personally see to my torture and execution. I realized that day that the Emperor already knew about the prophecy and feared it. I knew that the only way for our empire to grow and flourish was to assist the Moon Goddess, when she is reborn, so she can take back power and guide our empire to a better tomorrow.
I started researching history and government as well as keeping an eye out for the reincarnation of the Moon Goddess, and what better way to keep an eye on powerful young shifters than to train and guide them. Through my years I was joined by many other people who have similar loyalties as me to our true leader, the Moon Goddess. We formed a secret society called the Knights of the Blood Moon in order to help the Moon Goddess. Now that you know where my loyalties lie, would one of you explain what happened tonight."
I decide to trust Dean Charles and explain everything that's happened over the last 3 days.
Dean Charles shuffles a few papers on his desk. "I don't think the shot that almost hit you was an accident. Some of my fellow men have infiltrated the palace guard and have been reporting back that they suspect there is another force that wants you dead."
My mouth falls open with shock. "Why would they want to kill me? Up until a few days ago, I didn't even suspect who I was."
"Anyone who has heard the prophecy would have suspected you because of the shadows around your birth and your unique eyes. As for the Emperor's threats to the Forest Kingdom, I think we should take those very seriously. The Emperor is angry and he wouldn't give starving his own people and weakening our empire as a whole a second thought if it meant he gets to gain more power himself."
"What should I do?" I ask, wringing my hands with worry until Aren takes my hand and laces his fingers through it, squeezing it in a reassuring way.
The Dean looks down at mine and Aren's hands and frowns. "We wouldn't mind you marrying Ryland, since it would help with our goal of putting you in power, but I understand if that is not a route you want to take."
"I'm not ready to make any decisions like that, I only just got my strings."
"Understandable. I think we should meet up with your father tomorrow to discuss options. Do you have anything else you would like to discuss tonight?" Dean Charles looks as tired as I feel, but there is still one thing I need to know before I can sleep.
"What happened to Char and Koda?"
"They were put under a sleeping spell along with all the other students in the library by a witch working for the Emperor. They are safe, sleeping in the infirmary and Nurse Stone says they should be awake in a day or so." He pauses for a second before continuing. "If no one has any further questions, I think you should get some rest, you've been through quite the ordeal." Dean Charles gestures for Professor Solace to open the door.
Just as I'm standing, another urgent question pops into my mind. "Wait, are we even safe here?"
"The Emperor can't attack the school, because all kingdoms will see that as an attack on their most promising shifters and children. As long as you are on this campus, you are safe from an open attack. With that in mind, you should still be very careful, since we don't know if there is anyone who would try to take you from here. Now, get some rest."
We all walk back in silence to the guys' suite, where Olivia and Gia are waiting for us. As soon as we enter, Gia runs up and almost knocks me out with a fierce hug.
"I'm so glad you are okay. We were so worried about you."
I wheeze. "I was okay, but I think you broke my rib." Gia immediately loosens her hold around me. "Thank you for helping find me."
Gia smiles. "I'm just glad one of my visions was useful. Olivia also was a big help."
I look over at Olivia and she hangs her head in shame as she addresses me. "I'm sorry for everything I did to you with Madison and Camilla this semester. There are no excuses for my actions and I don't expect forgiveness, but I just wanted you to know I am trying to make up for it." Olivia finishes weakly with a sniffle and I walk over to her and pull her into a tight hug.
"You have more than made up for it. You saved my life." I pull away from Olivia and see that tears are streaming down her cheeks.
"Let's go to bed. We are all exhausted and you are a mess." Gia steps forward and puts her arm around my shoulder.
Before Gia can sweep me away, Aren speaks up. "Wait, I think it would be best if Ora stays here tonight. She is safer with us here since we are all shifters and can protect her." All of the guys nod in agreement with him.
Gia looks at me to make sure I'm okay with it. I give her a quick nod and she steps away. "Okay, but you be good to her. Make sure she gets something to eat and a warm bath."
Leo speaks up. "We will. She's in good hands with us."
Olivia looks a little hesitant to leave me alone with five men, but she turns and leaves with Gia.
After a long hot shower where I can feel the suffering of the day melting off of me, I rejoin my potential mates in the common area where they are arguing.
"Since Koda is in the infirmary, she can sleep in his bed." Kaden states, crossing his arms and glowering at Aren.
"Jay's not back yet, so she can stay in his bed. Plus, I am the most powerful shifter here, so she'll be safest with me." Aren glares back at Kaden.
"We've spent the past few nights together, so she would probably sleep best next to me." Ryland adds in.
Kaden and Aren both turn their dark looks towards Ryland.
"I think we should ask Ora what she wants." Leon says placatingly, and Max nods in agreement.
I step further into the room and all of their eyes swing to me. "Maybe I should just sleep on the couch."
"That's not safe enough. We would feel better if you slept in the same room as one of us."
Before I can respond, my stomach lets out a loud growl and I laugh. Max grabs a plate from the kitchen with a sandwich on it that he must have prepared for me while I was in the shower, and brings it over to me. I take the sandwich gratefully and bring it over to the couch, where I sit down and practically inhale the food. The guys all join me at the sitting area with sandwiches of their own. I don't know if it's Max's cooking skills or if I am just really hungry, but it's the best sandwich I have ever eaten. Once my hunger has been satisfied, I decide it is time we all have a talk.
"We should probably talk about the strings." They all stop eating and look over at me. "You all already know individually who I have strings with, but you should know that I do have a string with all five of you."
They look around at each other and then Aren speaks up. "I had my suspicions that it would be all of us. Is there anyone else you formed a string with?"
"No, it's just you guys."
They all seem to relax a little.
"How strong are each of our strings?" Kaden asks.
"That's not fair for you to ask. You just want to know where you stand in relation to the rest of us." Leon chirps back at him.
"Don't act like you aren't curious." Kaden states.
Leon huffs. "I'm not."
Kaden leans over Leon. "You're a liar."
"Settle down." Aren says to the guys before they start wrestling. "It would be nice to know, but that is up to Ora to decide if she wants to tell us."
"Easy for you to say, you know you'll have the strongest string since you've known her the longest." Kaden grumbles.
"Enough." I say and they all immediately fall silent. "Aren and I do have the strongest string, but the rest of your strings are all the same strength. All of the strings are strong." I can't help but notice a content look immediately cross Aren's face. "I'm not going to be making a decision or having a mating ceremony with anyone anytime soon. I think I just need to focus on surviving right now, and not on choosing a mate."
"You don't have to choose. You could accept all of us as your mates." Max quietly states. I am shocked at his suggestion. The idea of having five mates is overwhelming and I can't even process it right now. I know it's common for female shifters to take more than one mate, but I'd never thought that would be something I would want for myself. I have always only wanted to be with Aren, but now that I've gotten to know these four other shifters who are all so unique and brave, the decision doesn't seem so simple anymore.
"I don't know… I can't… I can't think about that right now." I sputter. I think I'm starting to freak out until I feel Aren put his arm around my shoulder and Max takes my hand.
Aren whispers softly. "It's okay. It's been a long day and you've already undergone so much change. You have time to process things."
"Thank you." I whisper back. I close my eyes and let Aren's rhythmic breathing lull my exhausted mind to sleep.
Aren
Once Ora is sound asleep, I extricate myself from her and lay her across the couch. Kaden surprises me by putting a soft blanket over her. I give him an astonished look.
Kaden frowns and quickly defends himself. "What? I didn't want her to get cold and wake up."
"I didn't know you were that thoughtful." Leon teases. Ora stirs and we all freeze.
"Let's continue this conversation in the kitchen." Max whispers and we all follow him away from Ora, but still keeping her in eyesight.
"Okay, what are our ground rules?" I ask as soon as we are all a safe distance from Ora.
Leon looks confused. "What do you mean?"
I explain. "What are our rules for each other on how to treat Ora while she figures things out."
"Like what order whe should take her on dates?" Max questions.
I clarify. "Yes like that, but also how far physically we should go with her. I don't think any of us should have sex with her until she's had more time to sort through all of these changes." This elicits outrage from Kaden and confusion from Leon.
Max speaks up before they can. "I think we should go as far as we and Ora are comfortable with. I don't think we should make these decisions for her."
"Agreed." Ryland says. "What are your thoughts on us all mating with her and her not having to choose."
"I'm fine with it." Leon says and Max nods in agreement. "We all love her."
Kaden also surprises me with his answer. "Sharing with you guys sounds awful, but if that's what will make Ora happy, then I'll consider it." He frowns and looks away, but I can tell how deeply he cares for her if he's willing to share.
"When you first started taking Ora on dates, I hated it. I didn't understand my jealousy then, but I do now. Ora is an incredible woman with incredible powers. She is kind, playful, and passionate. I worried about her coming to the academy and changing because of it, but through everything she has stayed true to herself while learning and growing. Each of you has been an important part of her growth and mine. It would be an honor to spend the rest of my life by your sides supporting and loving Ora."
"Here here!" Ryland says lifting a fake cup into the air and grinning.